Information Pack - Painswick Rococo Garden

WEDDING AND
CIVIL PARTNERSHIP
Information Pack
2016
HISTORY OF THE GARDEN
Painswick House, a substantial Georgian country house, was built in the 1730s by Charles Hyett.
Unfortunately he died 3 years after it was completed and the property passed to his eldest son
Benjamin. It was Benjamin who, in the 1740s, transformed a hidden combe behind the House into a
flamboyant pleasure garden. In 1748 the design was captured by a local artist, Thomas Robins.
In the early 1800s this original design had been lost as the gardens were changed to a more practical
layout to grow fruit and vegetables for the House. Over the next 150 years, whilst this central area was
well maintained, the rest most of the garden fell into disrepair.
When Lord Dickinson inherited the property in the 1950s, he could not afford the five gardeners who
were working here. Therefore he abandoned the remaining part of the garden and planted a wood
throughout. Before long it was an untamed jungle. The Gardens created by his ancestor seemed lost
forever. Restoration began in 1984 when the historical importance of the garden was realised. It is the
sole, complete survivor from the brief Rococo period of English garden design (1720-1760).
WHERE TO CHOOSE IN THE GARDEN FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY
We are often asked by couples if they can have their ceremony anywhere in the Garden. Whilst by
law, all Statutory (legal) ceremonies, or at least part of them, have to take place in a recognised
and licensed building with at least three walls and a roof, a wide variety of other celebrations can
be conducted in the Garden (please see page 11 for further information)
For Statutory ceremonies we are very lucky at the Rococo Garden as we have managed to get
two of our 18th century garden follies licensed. In both these cases the ceremony , if desired, can
mainly take place with the wedding party and guests congregating outside the building. The
couple plus their witnesses must then enter the building to legally exchange their vows. These can
then be repeated, again if the couple wish, outside in front of the assembled guests.
The hire charge includes your use of your chosen location plus the Orangery (also licensed itself)
where your guests can assemble before the ceremony and where we are able to serve drinks and
light refreshments after if required.
OUR LICENSED BUILDINGS
THE RED HOUSE
By far and away our
most popular venue. The
internal capacity is only
15 but up to 100 guests
can look on from below
the terrace.
THE EAGLE HOUSE
An intimate and romantic setting
best suited to wedding parties of
less than 30. The internal capacity
of this small building is only 6.
THE BOTHY
Ideal for the true
gardener! With a superb
locally crafted farmhouse
table and chairs, this old
toolshed can seat up to
20. Not available in
October.
PHOTOS ©ROBERT LEONS PHOTOGRAPHY
THE COACH HOUSE
Available in Nov and Dec, when the unheated
garden follies are only suitable for the hardiest
couples. Our restaurant can seat up to 50.
OUR LICENSED BUILDINGS
THE ORANGERY
Whichever garden building you choose for your ceremony, your party also has use of the Orangery. It
gives your guests a room to meet in, before being escorted to the venue for the ceremony. It is also
licensed and can be used for a ceremony where ensuring all the guests are seated is a main criteria. It
can take 70 guests.
For those couples wishing to serve their guests drinks and/or light refreshments after the ceremony,
this is the room used. The capacity is 80 people. It can also be used for afternoon receptions.
PHOTOS ©ROBERT LEONS PHOTOGRAPHY
PRICE LIST - 2016
We make a standard charge for couples to hold their wedding or partnership ceremony at
the Garden.
This includes the location for the ceremony, use of the Orangery and access to the
remainder of the Garden for you and your guests.
£1000.00 inc. VAT
A 10% discount is offered for weekday bookings.
We are happy to discuss additional facilities that may be required or access to the room
prior to the ceremony day.
A non-returnable 20% deposit is payable on confirmation, the balance is required 4 weeks
before the ceremony date.
Due to the unique qualities of the venue, no bookings are taken prior to a visit by the
interested party, when we will be happy to discuss individual requirements.
REFRESHMENTS
Whilst we cannot offer a traditional reception, we are happy to offer the following refreshments
after the ceremony or if you prefer just a drink for your guests to enjoy.
Afternoon Tea Party
Increasing in popularity is the quintessentially English afternoon tea to enhance your
celebration.
Two Savoury Nibbles
Two fillings for Bridge Rolls/Finger Sandwiches
Two Sweet Treats
Tea and Coffee
£12.45 per person
Choose your fillings from list on next page
Light Celebration Nibbles
Your guests will have the chance to enjoy an array of delicious morsels while relishing a chilled
glass of something!
Three fillings for Bridge Rolls/Finger Sandwiches
Two Sweet Treats
£9.05 per person
Choose your fillings from list on next page
Countryman’s Lunch
This delicious selection of locally sourced produce is a casual ‘help yourself’ lunch for your
guests to enjoy.
Ham baked in Guinness and Spices with a Honey Mustard Glaze (served cold)
Holy-Smoked, Blue Brie and Singing Granny Cheeses
Rococo Chutney, Pickled Onions, Grapes and Celery Batons
With a selection of The Artisan Baker’s Specialty Loaves and Butter
£9.25 per person
REFRESHMENTS CONTINUED...
Savoury Nibbles
Pisa Mozzarella (mozzarella, sundried tomato and basil sticks)VG
Olive and Parmesan Shortbreads V
Local Seasonal Flavoured Pork Sausages with a Maple Mustard Glaze
Mixed Olives marinated in Basil and Garlic V G
Tyrells Vegetable and Potato Crisps V G
Finger Sandwich/Bridge Roll Fillings (selection of brown and white of both)
Cucumber, Black Pepper and Soft Cream Cheese V
Local Free Range Egg and Cress V
Mature Cheddar Cheese and Rococo Chutney V
Smoked Salmon and Horseradish
Coronation Chicken and Fresh Coriander
Pesto and Soft Goats Cheese V
Sweet Treats
White, Milk and Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Individual Fresh Fruit Meringues
Bite-sized Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam
Mini Toffee Tiffins
Dark Chocolate and Walnut Brownies
Heart Shaped Buttery Shortbread Moments
Drinks
We can serve champagne, sparkling wine, wine, Pimms, or a range of soft drinks
50% of the cost of refreshments are payable in advance of the event,
the balance is payable after the occasion
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you contact the Registrars for us?
No, It is up to couples to speak to the local registrars themselves as there are certain legal
requirements that have to be carried out. We strongly recommend an early approach to them as
dates do become booked. Their contact number is 01242 532455 or they can be emailed on
[email protected].
Can we have music?
We are delighted for couples to have music at their ceremonies, either live or recorded. Please
note that there is no power available in either the Red House or Eagle House.
Do we have exclusive use of the Garden?
The Garden remains open to the public, but for the period of the ceremony, their access is
restricted to your chosen building. There will not be another ceremony taking place on the same
day as yours.
What happens if it rains?
If you have chosen either the Red House or Eagle House and your guests numbers exceed the
legal capacity of the building then your guests will be outside. Experience has shown that should
it rain, so long as your guests are aware that you the ceremony is outside then there is not a
problem. As a matter of last resort the ceremony can always switch to the Orangery, but in over
7 years this has never happened!
Do you allow confetti?
So long as confetti is bio degradable we are happy for it to be thrown.
Can we bring our own caterers?
All our food is home-made by our own staff in our Kitchens and we regret we do not allow
outside caterers to be used.
COMMENTS FROM COUPLES WHO HAVE MARRIED HERE
We can’t tell you how much we appreciate
the work that you and the team did for us.
The food was brilliant too, and much
remarked upon by all - so 11/10 all round.
Roz and Andy
Thank you all so much for your hard work
and effort during our wedding. Everyone
had such an amazing time and it was more
than we could have hoped for (even with the
rain).
Matthew and Jade
Thank you so much for making our wedding
day so special, it was just how we wanted it.
You all worked so hard and the food was very
tasty.
Linda and Rob
Many thanks for helping our wedding day run so
smoothly. The Red House was a truly magical
place for us to have our ceremony and the Garden
looked stunning.
Rachael and Guy
CONTACT US
Our Wedding Co-Ordinator will be happy to show you around the venue and discuss your ceremony
with you. They will guide you through your arrangements and be on hand throughout the ceremony.
To arrange to view please contact our wedding co-ordinator, Frances Hoult on 0772 4123399 or 01452
813204.
Although the Garden is closed during November and December, winter weddings can be arranged and
the office is open as normal.
Painswick Rococo Garden Trust,
Painswick,
Glos,
Gl6 6TH
Tel : 01452 813204
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.rococogarden.org.uk
OTHER CEREMONIES AT THE ROCOCO GARDEN
Baby Naming
Where will you give your child the name that they will use for their lifetime?
Painswick Rococo Garden has secured the services of Cotswold Ceremonies
www.cotswoldceremonies.co.uk to provide the perfect Baby Naming celebration just
for you.
Our package includes the services of a professional celebrant to write and conduct a
beautiful and personal ceremony, followed by afternoon tea.
Inclusive cost: £1000.00 (up to 30 guests – additional guests £12.45 per head)
This service is not available on Saturday
Wedding & Civil Partnership Celebrations
You can choose to have your celebration anywhere within the gardens, within the aura of
The Exedra… aside the romantic lake… under a tree that has witnessed hundreds of years of life…The choice is yours…
Your very personal event will be conducted by Cotswold Ceremonies www.cotswoldceremonies.co.uk and can include family and friends, even your dog! The Give Away, those personal promises, exchanging rings and readings by family & friends…
The legal (Statutory) part of your ceremony must be conducted prior to your celebration at Rococo Garden. Advice will be given by Cotswold Ceremonies.
Cost £1000.00 Refreshments can be provided.